RUSSIA has picked a DEAF CAT to be its World Cup oracle.
The tournament hosts have sought to copy the popularity of Paul the Octopus, who correctly forecast a series of results at the 2010 World Cup.
The tournament hosts have sought to copy the popularity of Paul the Octopus, who correctly forecast a series of results at the 2010 World Cup.
They have now chosen white moggy Achilles, who lives at the Hermitage museum in St Petersburg.
He is one of around 60 cats employed to catch mice at the famed tourist attraction.
Achilles will predict winners by choosing one of two food bowls marked in team colours for every game.
The psychic puss performed a similar service at the Confederations Cup in Russia last summer – where he reportedly made three correct forecasts out of four.
Hermitage official Maria Khaltunen said: “Achilles was chosen as he displayed capabilities for choice, analysis and unusual behaviour.
“Being deaf doesn’t sidetrack him – it lets him concentrate better on his predictions.
“He will receive a fan ID. The decision has already been made, and the papers signed.
“He will be the only animal to possess such a document.
“Animals normally don’t get them, as there are questions concerning photos.”
Cats have lived at the Hermitage, originally a tsar’s palace, since the 18th century.